After a disastrous Euro 2024 with the French team, Antoine Griezmann is taking advantage of a break to recharge his batteries and rest before starting a new season in the Atlético de Madrid jersey and under the orders of Diego Simeone. A marriage that has worked very well since 2014, apart from the complicated interlude of two seasons at FC Barcelona before his return, and which was able to shine again last season. Indeed, despite a drop in form towards the end, the Mâcon native had scored 24 goals and delivered 8 assists in 48 games played with the Colchoneros jersey. Unfortunately, his poor competition with the Blues in Germany at the European Championship, during which Grizou was placed on the bench several times by Didier Deschamps, could have slight repercussions on his future with Atlético de Madrid.
“I started badly, I felt better and better and I ended up on the bench… I tried to give my all, in different positions too, you had to adapt. That’s how it is. That’s the life of a footballer. Others didn’t play a minute, I’m not the one who’s going to complain“, had also affirmed Griezmann about his performances during the Euro after the elimination against Spain in the semi-final. And while possible negotiations for a contract extension were to take place this summer between Antoine Griezmann and Atlético de Madrid, everything seems very different today within the Madrid management and for several reasons. Under contract until June 2026, Antoine Griezmann should therefore not receive a reward this summer as was apparently planned according to information from AS.
Atletico says no… for now!
In fact, the Spanish daily specifies that with the current situation of the team and the trend of the summer market, Antoine Griezmann’s current contract is perfect as is. His salary of 7 million euros net is within the desired wage bill and the contract duration (until 2026) suits the Madrid management. The Colchoneros’ objective has always been to reduce the wage bill as much as possible to avoid a harmful economic situation. The departures of Hermoso, Savic and Memphis will be a real relief, as well as that of Saul. Therefore, the policy is in no way to increase the salary, even of the biggest star and the best player in the history of the club. Age is the other determining factor. At 33, Antoine will end his current contract at 35. An important age that forces us to think that it is not necessary to increase the lease of an aging player right now.
However, no one in the red and white entity doubts that Griezmann’s adventure can extend beyond 2026. In addition, if he is at the current level in two years, there will be no problem signing an extension due to the importance that the great idol of the Metropolitano fans has and will continue to have. But another thing remains possible. That the player himself decides to leave Atlético de Madrid to undertake a new epic that could well take place in MLS, one of Antoine Griezmann’s great objectives due to his passion for American culture and sports. It should be noted that 2026 will also be the year of the World Cup organized in the United States, a signing in MLS the same summer would be a big coup for the player as the US championship.
